Chapter 10:

The train was rocking and every once in a while Robert could feel the stinging pain in his leg again, though the healing went faster than expected the doctor now admitted that he would probably limp fort he rest of his life. However he was happy tob e alive, he was looking foward to see Downton Abbey again, to embrace Cora and the girls and to tell Isobel, if she did not know yet, that Matthew was alive but seriously injured.

William had not been that lucky , he died and Robert saw it. He would have to tell the staff since he was not sure William's father had already gotten the letter. Anyway at least he was told that the boy died before hitting the ground so at least he did not suffer.

He was thinking about the green grassplane and the trees of downton Abbey, colorful in spring and Cora dn the girls wandering around in ever so colorful dresses. His heart jumped at the thought of the last part. As a matter of fact now he was quite happy that Downton Abbey was turned into a hospital for veterans, since his transport was moved there. He would probably surprise Cora since he wrote no letter and also told Dr. Clarkson who was the head oft he transport not to inform them. He could not really walk far by now but he could walk short distances only leaning on a wooden stick. He was not sure how Cora would react to the sight of him limping and leaning on a stick.

Then the train finally rocked him to sleep and he only awoke when they arrived at Downton station.

Carson's view:

A new transport arrived this day. Normally Lady Grantham would have greeted it but since she got the letter of his Lordship missing, it seemed too painful for her, seing all the men returning home, injured though but alive.

So as head of service I had to welcome the new patients to Downton Abbey. At my side stood Mrs. Hughes who sighed slightly as the trucks arrived and the first soldiers were carried into the house on a stretcher others could walked by themselves. They had all something in common: though they were injured and and some oft hem lost arms or legs, all oft hem seemed happy tob e alive and safe now.

„All that young men, branded fort he rest of their lives. What a terrible war!", Mrs Hughes shook her head. I nodded and then went to meet Dr. Clarkson who was the head of transport. I did not need to tell him where to put the soldiers, he was perfectly familiar with the house and its rooms but I wanted to ask him if he knew anything about Lord Grantham. Suddenly I hear Mrs. Hughes gasp loudly. I turned to see if she was allright and she looked like she saw a ghost, white as a sheet, her mouth open, pointing in the direction oft he second truck. I followed her glare and understood her reaction, seing the soldier who was walking towards me now - Lord Grantham himself, leaning on a stick and limping but fine otherwise. He smiled at me and said: „It is good to be home Mr. Carson."

I tried to say something but I was in shock , nothing came out of my mouth. So Mrs Hughes who had recovered already stepped to my side and said: „Well it is good to have you home." His Lordhip nodded and then he did something he had never done before and would probably never do again, he squeezed both our hands and said: „I am sorry I did not call ahead but a letter would have been to slow. Where is my family?", at the last word I could see his eyes got glassy and he had to cotrol himself. „Well I am afraid they are not there yet. The young Ladies took her Ladyship for a picnic this afternoon to distract her.", I told him.

„A picnic you say", his eyes lightning up. „Did Branson drive them?"

„Yes M'lord but they sent him back insisting they would walk home."

„ Good. Tell Branson to be ready in 10 minutes. I am going to shave and put something else on. An Mr. Carson, mrs. Hughes, I can surely rely on the staff's dicretion on my returning. I want to surprise my girls", with this his Lordship walked into the house being greeted by very surprised staff who crossed his way by coincidence.

I smiled at Mrs Hughes and together with Dr. Clarkson we went into the house to tell the rest oft he staff that his Lordship had returned.

Robert's view:

It was good to be home. When I got out of the truck I looked at the house and turned around to watch the birds and trees at the park. Then I saw Mrs Hughes and Mr. Carson both in shock of seing me. They looke quite funny, both their mouths open and Mrs. Hughes pointing at me like a child points at a Bear or another dangerous animal. I had to smile.

After shaving and changing I went down the stairs wthich was quite painful and I had no idea how I ever would make them up again but the joy of seing my girls in some minutes made it worth hurrying down the stairs. Branson waited form e as I wished and when we both entered the car said: „M'lord welcome home. Say may I ask if you anything about Wiliam?"

Wiliam, I thought, of all the joy coming home, I totally forgot to tell Carson the bad news. I would have to tell have them before dinner but I decided to inform Branson right away: „ I am sorry Mr. Branson William was killed a few moments before Matthew and I were injured. However please don't tell the rest oft he staff right away. I feel obligated to bring the bad news downstaris myself. I think William's parents have already been informed."

Branson nodded slightly but I could see sorrow in his eyes. „mr. Branson, I am sorry. I know William and you were kind of friends but he died a brave death if this makes it any better for you."

„Thank you sir, indeed it helps a little", Branson smiled sadly.

„Where did you bring Lady Grantham and my daughters?", I was curious and excited now and it was hard to sit till.

„To a pond near the house. W e should there in a few minutes."

„oh the pond. Please let me get out oft he car right away.I am going to walkt he rest ", I demanded.

„As you wish.", Branson said and stopped the car atha spot where he was able to turn around again.

I got out and started walking thinking of all the great memories pond held for Cora and me. Today another one would be added. I came accross a tur oft he road and stopped. The sight that greeted me was breathtaking: The pond lay quiet in front of me, the reflection of the trees in it. On the left side oft he pond my 4 beautiful women were sitting ind colorful dresses laughing and joking. Cora was laughing hard at the moment and I could hear her bright voice over the distance. I wondered how many times she did that in the last few months and guessed not very often. Then Cora saw me and later I did not know why but I suddenly I could not simply walk uup to them greeting them as if nothing had happened. I felt uncomfortable and went out of sight. Now I could observe them without being seen. I observed them for a long time, simply standing there inhaling the sight oft he people I loved most in the world.

So sorry that William did not survive in my story but tob e honest I did not really like the wedding betweend Daisy and William in series either.